Jesus of the Loving Sacred Heart

Finding Him the Franciscan Way

Your month of June is rapidly coming to an end and, sad to say, I have accomplished little or nothing this month.

    I am suddenly aware that I have reached a period of stagnation, perhaps hibernation would be a better term to use. But, this should not be a time of hibernation.

    This late spring and early summer should be alive with promise, with plans, with deep breaths taken and exercise (my favorite is walking.) It is a time of reappraisal of one’s diet with a view to building up energy; with a look about with interest in the neighborhood, the parish and those who are in need. It is a time with a go-do purpose — the purpose being to foster a renewed aliveness in friends and activities; not too much spreading out, but rather a deeper interest in the things, and people, who are closest to one’s heart, going the Franciscan way, may it never grow stale!

    For my self, it is a time for my Franciscan brothers and sisters and Franciscan work — a planning for fresh ways, fresh approaches, selected reading, renewed interest in the formation field which I find so tremendous and an unending process.

    Above all, it is a re-awakening and intensifying of Jesus-awareness — Jesus in my life, Jesus in my thoughts, Jesus in my heart — Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. What am I without Him? What can I be and do, with Him? He is all that I need to be! All that I need to do! Simply — Humbly — Quietly, in my little niche in life.

    Awake, my soul! There’s a shining path up yonder. It is threading its way up and out of the shadows into the full light of the sun.

    I step forward with confidence, with Jesus at my side. I am full of compassion, hope, brotherly love, concern, and good fellowship for my brothers and sisters.

   The resurrection theme is not just for Easter, it is for every day. Alleluia!